The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) is pleased to announce 2012 open and rolling acceptance of applications for:

1. Internships (typically college or high school students desiring agriculture experience; includes cultivation/husbandry and marketing/sales/logistics)
2. Apprenticeships (growers with some cultivation/business experience; aspiring, yet not quite ready for independent farm ownership)
3. Farm/forestry incubator residencies we call "farmerships" and "foresterships" (somewhat experienced professionals who lack land/capital and desire commercial farm and forestry ownership)
4. Beginner farmers, foresters, and food artisans (new farmers/foresters with land and food producers who need business and cultivation coaching/development/support)
5. Mentor farmers and foresters (experienced organic/biodynamic and sustainable agricultural/forestry/food professionals to support and train new farmers; compensation arrangements available)
6. Land owners with underutilized farm and forest land who would like to see their property placed in sustainable production

Any aspiring or established ag/forestry/food professional from New Hampshire (or any other part of the United States) is encouraged to apply for customized operational consultation/planning, career coaching, and other support. Using innovative strategies and practical solutions, NHIAF advocates and facilitates fast-track preparation for new farmers and foresters leading to independent farm operations and land ownership.

Services and support for qualified applicants will be delivered at no charge by experienced staff. There is an extensive interview process for farmership and forestership residencies, typically located on NHIAF incubator and mentor sites in several locations throughout New Hampshire and border towns. Incubator residents own their operations on borrowed/leased land for an average duration of 2-3 years, with NHIAF transition assistance to permanent sites when ready.

For both established and new producers, as well as fishermen and food artisans, NHIAF also offers marketing solutions through "NH Farm Fresh", a statewide developing distribution system and contract-growing of organically/sustainably produced products.

All NHIAF programs and services are designed to increase the viability and profitability of independent family farms, as well as increase high-quality, affordable food security and independence for residents of New Hampshire, our border towns, and the greater New England region. We place special emphasis on organic practices, environmental stewardship, use of renewable resources, ingenuity and thrift.

We invite all interested participants to visit our web site at www.nhiaf.org and email inquiries, including resume/CV for program applicants: info@nhiaf.org
(Due to high response volumes, please refrain from calling, thanks.)

Programs for New Hampshire's North Country generously supported in part by The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (USDA Rural Development). Donations and sponsorships welcome and appreciated.